Discussion of news topics with a point of view, including narratives by individuals regarding their own experiences

Someday, we’ll live in a world where women aren’t targets. Until then, I’ll keep asking my girlfriends to text me when they get home.

Women have to be constantly vigilant in a way that men don’t

Maggie Spear

May 26

May 26

I always end a night out with my friends with the same six words: “Text me when you get home.”

It doesn’t matter if my friend’s leaving my house after a chill night in, or getting in an airplane to fly halfway across the world. It doesn’t matter if she’s alone or with others. The setting doesn’t matter and the context of how my friend leaves doesn’t matter, because the terrifying and unfortunate reality is that violence against women can happen anytime, anywhere.

As women, we are constantly reminded of our own vulnerability — when we run in the park, walk home, drive at night, meet a stranger. It’s a burden we can never truly shed.

But the shared experience between femme friends can help us distribute that weight. We look out for each other, and that’s what I try to express every time I say, “Text me when you get home” — that I’m here, that I care, that I notice and I’m ready to help.